Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 11

The first round after the FIBA Break is highlighted with numerous double-headers, the long-awaited return to Perth for Bryce Cotton and a massive Super Sunday of hoops.

Meanwhile the Ignite Cup begins on Wednesday night, with all eyes on the $400,000 of prize money up for grabs.

NBL Media looks at some key talking points for the round ahead.

The full schedule

New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings - Wednesday, December 3, 5.30pm AEDT - Claudelands Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Thursday, December 4, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United - Thursday, December 4, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets - Friday, December 5, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, December 6, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, December 6, 8pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne United - Sunday, December 7, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers - Sunday, December 7, 4.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Cotton's return 'home'

It's the game that's been circled on the calendar since five-time MVP Bryce Cotton made the high-profile off-season shift from Perth to Adelaide.

Sunday will mark the first time Cotton, who helped the Wildcats win three championships during his nine seasons at the club, will be back in the city he brought so much success.

Adding to the intensity of the game and rivalry is the fact the Wildcats won the first matchup in Adelaide this season.

So expect plenty of fireworks and Cotton to do whatever he can to quieten the Red Army.

2 – Super Sunday of hoops

On top of the aforementioned Perth and Adelaide fixture, Sunday will also have the 31st Throwdown between South East Melbourne and Melbourne.

While United have won both contests this season, to make it 21-9 all-time, this looms as a blockbuster and a real litmus test for the Phoenix.

With the competition's top four sides all clashing, this Super Sunday looms as the biggest day of hoops to date this season.

3 – Bullets load up

Since we last saw the Bullets in action, a lot has changed in Brisbane.

Stu Lash's side will welcome back star forward Sam McDaniel for this Round 11 clash in Adelaide, with imports Javon Freeman-Liberty and Terry Taylor in the mix to suit up too.

With these three at his disposal, along with Tall Black centre Tyrell Harrison and sharpshooter Dakota Mathias, Lash and his Bullets could be set for a second half surge this season.

4 – Breakers zero in on more silverware

Sitting on top of the Ignite Cup table, with two wins and 13 points to their names, are the New Zealand Breakers.

Mix in the fact that they have won seven quarters and positive points differential (+58), the Breakers could all but secure a spot in the inaugural decider with victory over Sydney on Wednesday.

Having already won the CODE Sports NBL Blitz trophy, could Petteri Koponen's side, now bolstered with the signing of Tall Black Tai Webster, secure the first two pieces of silverware on offer this season?

5 – Must-win games for champs

Sitting at 4-9 coming out of the FIBA Break, the reigning champions need to start to string some wins together if they are going to keep their finals chances alive.

That starts with crucial home clashes with South East Melbourne and Cairns, with the latter being Illawarra's bogey team in recent years.

With plenty of firepower in their lineup, and star big man Sam Froling nearing his return, the Hawks are more than capable of pushing for a spot in the top six.